After dental implant surgery in Denver, CO

After Placement of Dental Implants

Please carefully follow these instructions to support proper healing after your dental implant surgery.

Wound Care

Do not disturb the surgical area. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. A metal healing abutment will be visible protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for a few days after surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs (your mouth fills rapidly with blood), place a gauze pad directly over the surgical site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed. If bleeding continues, please call the office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically reaches its maximum within 24 hours. To help minimize swelling, apply an ice pack, plastic bag, or towel filled with ice to the cheek near the surgical area. Use ice intermittently for the first 24 hours: apply for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Do not sleep with the ice pack in place.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot foods and hot liquids until the local anesthesia has fully worn off. Soft foods and liquids are recommended on the day of surgery. You may return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed by your provider.

Pain Management

Begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate discomfort, over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil may be sufficient. For more severe pain, take the prescribed medication exactly as directed. Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it or have been instructed by your doctor not to do so.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics have been prescribed, take them exactly as directed to help prevent or control infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for proper healing. A prescription mouth rinse such as Peridex is often provided following oral surgery. If prescribed, rinse for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out. Warm saltwater rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least four to five times per day, especially after meals.

Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is encouraged. Be gentle when brushing near the surgical area during the initial healing period.

Activity

Limit physical activity immediately following surgery. If you attempt to exercise and notice throbbing or bleeding, stop the activity. Keep in mind that reduced food intake after surgery may cause weakness, which can further limit your ability to exercise safely.

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